The School
has a legal responsibility to report suspected cases of child
abuse and/or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

To comply
with the Child Protection Act (New Hampshire RSA 169C, 1979, and
Vermont VSA Title 33,681) any teacher or other employee within
the school districts of School Administrative Unit 76 who suspects
that a child's physical or mental welfare may be adversely affected
by abuse or neglect shall report to the principal, or other designated
personnel, and shall then call the Division of Children and Youth
Services and give the following information:Name, address, age and sex
of studentNames, address of parent
or caretakerName, address of the person
allegedly responsible for the abuse and neglect, if knownName of siblings who may
be in danger, if knownNature and extent of injuries
or description of neglect.

It is not
the responsibility of the school employee to prove that the child
has been abused or neglected, or to determine whether the child
is in need of protection.

Harassment or Bullying

We want each child to feel
safe in the school. We do not tolerate anti-social behaviors that
leave a child feeling emotionally or physically hurt. The school's
expectation is that every child will be able to go through the
school day without being a target for unkind, intentionally negative
comments or actions.

We acknowledge that world
news and even some sports do not emphasize this message of civility.
In fact, the media (television, films, music, computer games)
often celebrate even more violence and/ or sarcasm. We ask Lyme
families to help be an antidote to this nationwide problem and
support our effort to stop any discriminatory, anti-social behavior.
Please report any inappropriate incidents (ASAP) that come to
your attention.

Bullying/harassment issues
are generally determined by the victim's point of view (not the
bully's). No complaint is ignored. We look into every reported
case and the frequency of occurrence. Our procedures are consistent
and effective. We first do some fact finding and then some
counseling and always leave a strong and clear warning message
that should the behavior continue, the consequences (ie. lost
privileges, detention, suspension, Police/Court or CHINS
involvement) will also escalate. Involved families are contacted.
We encourage self empowerment, particularly the strength to say
no (or stop) and the courage to report a problem. This is not
"snitching" and we agree that we can't allow this type of negative
unwanted attention to continue.- See School Board Policy.

Problem-Solving

If your child
complains about school-related concerns, please try to identify
what is really troubling the child and suggest strategies for
dealing with the situation. It is helpful to remind children that
teachers and assistants must attend to the needs of many; that
what may seem fair to the child may be unfair to the class as
a whole; and that teachers are people with strengths and weaknesses,
just like other adults. Often, it is appropriate to approach the
matter as a problem-solving opportunity for the child, affirming
the child' s interpersonal strengths.

We recognize
that sometimes things do happen at school that distress an individual
child. We hope you will share quickly with us any indications
you have that your child is unhappy or any suspicion of a problem
related to the school setting. The best way to bring problems
to our attention is to discuss the matter with the teacher most
closely related to the problem. If you feel that course is inappropriate,
or if your concerns are not addressed to your satisfaction please
immediately contact the Principal, or the Guidance Counselor.
Your concerns will be considered thoroughly with the help of the
school staff and anyone else it seems appropriate to involve.
If after following the above procedure, your concerns have not
been addressed to your satisfaction, you may take these concerns
to the Superintendent's office. The final step would be consideration
at the school board level.

School Safety

The Lyme School administration
has an obligation to maintain a safe school. Our School Board
policy manual (see our web site or visit office) describes in
legal detail numerous regulations, expectations and due process,
we are required to follow. Some serious behaviors (such
as noncompliance to a safety directive) may require immediate
suspension, expulsion or reporting to the police. Parents would
be contacted as soon as possible. Some other examples are:

Dangerous Weapons:It is unlawful for any person (exception
for on duty law enforcement officers) to have in his/her possession
any dangerous or deadly weapon, openly or concealed, while on
any school leased or owned property. Such weapons include, but
are not limited to, any form of firearms, knives, fireworks. Students
in possession will have weapons confiscated, the parents will
be notified, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Some toys or replicas could fall into this category, check with
office.

Tobacco (and non prescribed
Drugs) Ban:No person shall use any tobacco product
in any facility maintained by the School District, nor on any
of the grounds of the District. Tobacco products means cigarettes,
cigars, snuff, smokeless tobacco, smokeless cigarettes, products
containing tobacco, and tobacco in any other form. Students are
to leave ALL medicatons with the nurse (see the School Nurse section
of the handbook).